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2017 | OriginalPaper | Chapter

Soils and Food Security in the Arab World

Author : Isam Bashour

Published in: Water, Energy & Food Sustainability in the Middle East

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

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Abstract

The area of the Arab region is about 14 million Km² (1.4 * 10⁹ ha) of which about 90% lies in the arid and semi-arid harsh environments and fragile ecosystems. During the past three decades, limited efforts were put to combat soil degradation, and desertification and soil salinization are still the major environmental problems in the Arab region. The annual rapid increase in the population, in addition to the change in life style and the increase in food consumption, led to the widening of the void between production and consumption of food in the region.

Arable land per capita is one of the lowest in the world because only less than 10% of the total area is cultivated and agricultural technology is still basic with relatively low productivity.

Investment in agricultural and water projects in the region should be encouraged to increase production and reduce dependence on imported products. Improving the conservation agriculture (CA) technique by conducting scientific research and field trials on farmers’ land, along with the dissemination of results and experiences is one way to reduce soil degradation and improve food security in this region. The promotion and spread of CA is crucial, yet challenging, for scientists and decision makers in the Arab world.

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Title: Soils and Food Security in the Arab World
Author: Isam Bashour
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Book: Water, Energy & Food Sustainability in the Middle East
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-48919-3

Electronic ISBN: 978-3-319-48920-9

Copyright Year: 2017
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-48920-9_13